Dreams came true as the Canadian Women's National Team secured a berth to the 2012 London Olympic Games with a 3-1 victory over Mexico.
A memorable night for both players and fans, a record setting crowd of 22,954 in BC Place cheered on the team as a coveted Olympic opportunity was won on home soil. The momentous occasion was topped off during Canada's celebration walk around the stadium when players surrounded the broadcast booth for a group hug with Kara Lang.
Given the Olympic Qualifying history between the two teams, it's no wonder the opening minutes of the match were slow and tense. This marked the third Olympic Qualifying decider they've played against one another, with Mexico defeating Canada to reach Athens in 2004 and Canada returning the favour to make their first Olympic appearance at Beijing 2008.
Mexico gained some possession during the first half, but were unable to build up dangerous attacks. Early on, Dinora Garza and Rubi Sandoval sent in long balls and shots that were easily picked up by Karina LeBlanc.
Christine Sinclair:
Just as they've done throughout the tournament, last night was a pinnacle performance by the Canadian midfield. Quick to intercept passes and fight to maintain possession, defensive midfielder Desiree Scott anchored the play that kept Mexico at bay.
It was a tackle by Scott that sparked the first Canadian goal in the 15th minute. Lauren Sesselmann's cross into the box was laid off by Melissa Tancredi to a wide open Christine Sinclair and she made no mistake to roof the ball into the net past Cece Santiago.
Seven minutes later, the team almost added to the lead when Sinclair booted the ball up field for a counter attack. Tancredi had beaten the entire Mexican defence and Santiago was off her line to challenge, but Tancredi slotted the ball just wide of the far post.
In the 24th minute, Mexico was unable to defend against Canada's quick one touch passes in the final third. The ball zigzagged from Rhian Wilkinson to Sinclair to Kelly Parker and Parker's centring pass was tapped in by Tancredi to put Canada up 2-0. During the play, Marylin Diaz's late sliding challenge clipped Sinclair's left ankle. Sinclair appeared to be in significant pain, but after a drink of water she was quickly back on the pitch.
Karina LeBlanc:
Canada had a scary moment when Candace Chapman's back pass put LeBlanc under pressure by Maribel Dominguez. LeBlanc was able to clear the ball from the top of the box, but right Teresa Noyola. Noyola's chip was wide of the net.
A better sense of Mexico's potential was on display when they upped the tempo and put on relentless pressure early in the second half.
Dominguez was fouled by Sesselmann in the 53rd minute, but Garza's free kick was over the bar.
Minutes later, second half substitute Anisa Guajardo beat Sesselmann to send in a low cross that was cleared for a corner kick. On the ensuing set piece, the attempt was then kicked into the side netting. Mexico was whistled for a foul as Guajardo had pushed LeBlanc into the net.
With more activity in the Canadian final third, Garza sent her long range shot wide. In the 67th minute, Monica Ocampo blasted a strike from a tight angle, but LeBlanc was ready to make the save.
Lauren Sesselmann:
The play created a corner kick opportunity that was initially punched away by LeBlanc. An unmarked Veronica Perez, who was red carded at the 2010 CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifiers when she cleared a Canadian shot with her hands, sent a blistering strike through traffic to keep Mexico's Olympic dreams alive. It was now 2-1.
The play created a corner kick opportunity that was initially punched away by LeBlanc. An unmarked Veronica Perez, who was red carded at the 2010 CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifiers when she cleared a Canadian shot with her hands, sent a blistering strike through traffic to keep Mexico's Olympic dreams alive. It was now 2-1.
Melissa Tancredi:
All worries were put to rest in the 76th minute when Tancredi's long ball released Sinclair towards an onrushing Santiago. Sinclair's well placed chip over the Mexican 'keeper sealed the victory.
Sinclair's brace notched a tournament leading 9 goals and she is currently tied with US striker Abby Wambach for third in career goals with 129.
John Herdman:
The US booked their ticket to London by defeating Costa Rica 3-0. In the 16th minute, Lauren Cheney's corner kick was headed down by Shannon Boxx. Initially cleared, Tobin Heath followed up with a header to open the scoring. The US was held to a surprisingly low score line for most of the match until the 72nd minute when Carli Lloyd sent a bouncing shot into the net following a rebounded attempt by Wambach. As the match came to a close, second half substitute Alex Morgan pounced on her own rebound for the final goal.
Canada and the US will battle for bragging rights Sunday night at 7:30PM ET/4:30PM PT
|